Please help a newbie paint a heatercore

[touser3]

Hi all, i just picked up a nice heatercore from pep boys for my watercooling system and i would like to paint it a chrome color. I have never painted anything made of metal and any tips would be greatly appreciated! My questions would be what type of paint, how many layers, do i need a primer, clearcoat etc, does it need to be sanded, should i tape up the fins? Thanks in advance!

[Easto]

Leave it alone. The paint will only reduce it's effectiveness.

[lonewolfz28]

I rough up the tanks and sides a little with some 600 grit sandpaper. Then I mask off the fins and fittings. I do however many coats I need to get a good smooth finish using Duplicolor automotive paint.:cool:

As far as reducing its effectiveness, they seem to work just fine as long as you don't clog up the fins. It still radiates a lot of heat from the tanks even with the paint on it.

[touser3]

Thanks for the replies. I think i will just paint it black as a chromed look is nearly impossible without just going and having it chromed. And i doubt that just painting the sides, top and bottom will effect the cooling to any noticable degree.

[suesman]

I would look into VHT Paints (http://www.speco.com.au/vht_special.html#chrome). I used these to paint the headers, brake calipers & radiator tanks on my Acura 2 years ago & it has yet to chip, fade or degrade in any way.